Are We Getting Two Social Security Checks in December?

Social Security benefits provide a financial foundation for millions of Americans, supporting retirees, individuals with disabilities, and survivors. These monthly payments offer a consistent income stream, helping beneficiaries manage their finances. Understanding when these payments arrive is important for financial planning.

Clarifying December Social Security Payments

Many individuals wonder if they will receive two Social Security checks in December. Beneficiaries do not receive two payments designated for December. What appears as a “second” payment is an early distribution for January. This occurs due to specific rules governing payment dates that fall on weekends or federal holidays. For example, if January 1st is a federal holiday, the January payment for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries is often sent out on December 31st.

This means recipients receive their regular December payment and then their January payment, creating the perception of two checks within the same calendar month. This is not an extra benefit or bonus payment. Instead, it is a calendar adjustment to ensure funds are available before the scheduled date is impacted by non-business days.

Standard Social Security Payment Schedule

The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes retirement, disability, and survivor benefits on a predictable monthly schedule. For most beneficiaries who began receiving payments after May 1997, the payment date depends on their birth date. Those born between the 1st and 10th of a month receive their payment on the second Wednesday.

Individuals with birth dates between the 11th and 20th receive their benefits on the third Wednesday. Those born between the 21st and 31st have their payments issued on the fourth Wednesday. There is an exception for those who started receiving Social Security before May 1997, or who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, as their payments are issued on the third day of the month. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are made on the first day of each month.

When Payment Dates Change

Social Security payment dates shift when the scheduled day falls on a weekend or a federal holiday. Under these circumstances, the Social Security Administration advances the payment to the preceding business day. This policy ensures that beneficiaries receive their funds without delay due to non-banking days. For instance, if a payment is scheduled for a Saturday, it will be issued on the preceding Friday.

This rule is particularly relevant for payments around the end of the year. If the first day of January falls on a weekend or holiday, the January Social Security payment, especially for SSI recipients, might be disbursed in late December. This early payment is a result of the SSA’s commitment to ensuring timely access to benefits.